Academics

Throughout this course, students will learn about many aspects of art history from the Middle Ages to present-day France. The aim of the course is to help students not only exercise their eyes, but also to develop their analytical and critical thinking skills. Part of this course will involve visiting museums, monuments and other historical sites, in order to take advantage of local resources and better understand the environment in which they are living.

This is an interdisciplinary course set up to appeal to a wide range of student interests, relevant to their everyday lives, both in France and at home. The dual goal is for students to analyze current environmental issues globally and locally and to design and implement small-scale investigations using a hands-on, exploratory approach with Rennes and the environs as their field. Through lectures, readings, videos, field trips, discussions and debate, students learn about important environmental issues while conducting scientific investigations. Topics include biodiversity and environmental systems, demographics and populations, local and global resources of water, food and energy, global change and sustainability. Students who would like to use this course to fulfill a science requirement at their home school are advised to check with their school’s Academic Office.

In this course, students explore the history of French cinema, from its origins in the 19th century to the present day. We travel back in time to the birth of cinema, its technical and artistic innovations, and we meet the key movements that have shaped its evolution. By studying major directors and actors, we also immerse ourselves in different periods of French society. A selection of films and numerous extracts will be screened in class, providing the basis for in-depth group and individual analyses. We will decipher the most striking aspects of each work to better understand their aesthetic and historical significance. The students will develop their film analysis skills by closely examining scenes and sound sequences. By detailed observation, they will master precise tools and sharpen their critical thinking, while becoming aware of the impact of images. Finally, creative exercises will give students the opportunity to explore their own artistic sensitivity and apply the concepts learned in class. Through writing, visual storytelling and imaginative reinterpretation of scenes, they will experiment the cinematic language in a personal way. They will be encouraged to observe their environment with a filmmaker's eye, taking inspiration from the city of Rennes to develop short narratives, visual compositions or analytical reflections.

This course introduces students to political issues that are currently discussed on the news and in the media. It is designed to enable students to better understand many of the concepts which are shaping the world today such as globalization, fundamentalism, nationalism or terrorism. The themes explored in this course include but are not limited to: education, cultural exception, immigration, the European Union, feminism, political institutions, modern wars, new colonialism and fair trade and local economy. The course looks mainly at how France and Europe are dealing with these issues at the dawn of the 21st century and how their perspective might differ from the rest of the world. Coursework takes place both in and outside the classroom with the opportunity for the students to attend special exhibits, lectures and conferences. Students are expected to participate on a regular basis in class. The course also facilitates the students’ participation in collaborative projects with French high school students and members of local organizations.

This course explores the production of art history during the Ancient, Medieval, Renaissance and Baroque periods that influenced the local territory. Students read, analyze and comment on written primary sources, archaeological remains and artifacts of the area in order to refine critical thinking skills. Students explore topics in the European tradition by building a chronology and content background combined with studentcentered work and research. Students also learn to become more confident public speakers through reenactments, presentations and group activities, while interacting with Etruscan tombs, Greek statues, Medieval churches and Renaissance monuments as vehicles to better understand modern Italian people, culture and language.

This course combines such science disciplines to examine rich agricultural traditions and processes that make Italian food known the world over. With a focus on sustainability, students will experiment to understand the role of food locally. Viterbo’s fertile soil, 12-month growing season and rich culinary customs will provide systematic comparisons between age-old practices and the applications of modern science in order to cultivate many of the local products Italy is known for, such as olive oil, wine, bread, cured meats and cheese. Students will ask research questions and employ laboratory methods in order to understand problems that present both local and global challenges. The course methods will concentrate on inquiry, hands-on experimentation, observation, statistical analysis and discovery. 

This course introduces students to the most pressing challenges faced by Italy, Europe and the world: economic crises; technological transformations; conflict; human rights and discrimination; migration and demographic change; education, political systems; environmental issues. Students examine these topics through various lenses – local (Viterbo), national (Italy vs. United States) and global– and learn a valuable reality: different cultures view “problems” in very different ways. Coursework takes place both in and outside the classroom. Students have the opportunity to visit national institutions in Rome and around Italy. The course seeks to help students better understand the challenges facing all of us. 

For students currently enrolled in a Greek or Latin course at their home school, SYA offers the opportunity to continue while at SYA Italy. Depending on the number of students interested, SYA Italy can offer Latin Reading, Advanced Topics in Latin, and AP Latin. AP Latin is our most popular Latin course.

For students interested in Greek, it is possible to take Introductory Greek or Greek Reading. 

This course lays a foundation of historical art movements up to the time of Goya and then shifts focus to contemporary art movements such as Impressionism, Cubism, and Surrealism, which began as reactions to or revivals of prior art movements. Students learn to approach Contemporary Art with an open mind and also have the opportunity to do creative exercises in class. Visits to museums and monuments in and around Zaragoza plays an important role in the class. 

This course examines how the world works and how people can alter the delicate balance of the earth's life-support systems. It is set up to appeal to a wide range of student interests, relevant to their everyday lives, both in Spain and at home. Through readings, videos, lectures, discussions, projects, debate  and field trips, students learn about important environmental issues while conducting scientific investigations.    

Students who would like to use this course to fulfill a science requirement at their home school are advised to check with their school’s academic office. 

This course introduces students to the basic principles of macro- and microeconomics and their application to national and international public policy. Students examine the development of the contemporary economy and use basic theoretical tools to analyze current issues. Classes consist primarily of discussions, although the course also employs role-playing, films, lectures, case studies and student reports and projects. This course does not directly prepare students for the AP Microeconomics or Macroeconomics exam in May. 

This interdisciplinary course is built around four deeply interconnected pillars designed for students seeking to explore a new country through the lens of global understanding. These pillars are History, Politics, Society, and Culture. Using Spain—and specifically Zaragoza—as a living classroom, students will explore how centuries of Spain history and civilization have shaped current societal norms, political landscape, and global interactions. The course also addresses global themes and analyzes key issues confronted, comparing policies established to respond in different countries and regions across time periods, as well as their outcomes, understanding the changes that have taken place. Through readings, debates, presentations, field trips, and conversations with experts, students will engage with these areas from both local and global perspectives. Importantly, this course is grounded in meaningful, student-centered, and experiential learning. It emphasizes active engagement, personal reflection, and critical thinking based on students’ experiences during their time in Spain.